CUTE DOWNTOWN PARK (4 stars) Dog friendly but NOT a dog park. The grass is very green but keep in mind this is an open park so there can be and likely will be a homeless or two in the area. Keep vigilant of drugs because this city doesn't care if people do open drug use in their parks. Parking is typical downtown street parking. My dog loved to roam here and make her territories. A lot of people that live in the area do bring their dog here to walk or potty. I wouldn't be trying to have a picnic on this grass read more

This is a nice park in the middle of residential buildings. I take my dogs here for walks sometimes, even though it is technically not a dog park. So when we are here, they are always on a leash. I've also come here for some yoga. Overall, this is a hidden gem, and I love the handful of mature trees that live here as well. read more

This park is a pocket park and one is one of the few parks that are actually tucked into the downtown area. It is the oldest park in the city, dating back to 1850, but you could not tell. It is named after Don Juan Pantoja y Arriola, a Spanish navigator who created the first map of San Diego Bay back in 1782. There is not much to this park. I primarily consists of a huge open field with trees, some of which are fenced off, a paved walking path around the green space with benches on its perimeter, a statue of Benito Juarez, the 26th president of Mexico (a gift from the Mexican government) and a few bench at both of its entrances. I guess the green space could be used for some field activities including a picnic, Frisbee, playing catch, or a small soccer/football game. For pet owners, your dogs must be on a leash while in the park, but I am nit sure how strictly that rule is enforced. The park looks like it is a place for people to take their dogs for a walk and also for those looking to take a break from the stresses of the big city. There were people walking around the track while others where just sitting on the benches, while others were just laying on the green space. It is a very chill spot and appears to well maintained. There is metered street parking and commercial garages and lots within walking distance from here, but this is not a destination park. It is primarily used by people that work or live in the area. I enjoyed my little break here. I was a nice day during my visit and I decided to eat my lunch there. read more

This is one of my favorite parks to go to downtown. Not only are there little bunnies everywhere, there are also butterflies and hummingbirds! My favorite is at night when the opossums come out though! Lol read more

Pantoja Park - Closeup photo of a beautiful butterfly - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Pantoja Park is the 1st public park in San Diego and there's a nice statue of its namesake there. It's small though and there's no toilets. There is a big problem with rude locals letting their aggressive dogs run around offleash and it's too small for that. I had to warn one guy(who's a regular)about his aggressive Dobermans(2 large ones running loose that scare kids) almost running into me and he gave me attitude instead of apologizing. The city doesn't enforce the leash law there so it only gets 3 stars. It is very near the seaport village trolley stop. read more

This is a great little park in the heart of downtown San Diego. It has huge over grown trees that have been established for years. I enjoyed sitting here chatting with a friend a few days ago and looking at the surrounding city scape. The place is pet friendly as long as you pick after, well you know, and there is plenty of room for tossing a Frisbee, football, or playing net volley ball. While I was there most people I saw ere walking their pet are sitting around having conversations. Great little park amongst the hassle and bustle of the city. read more

See all

I love this little quaint park, tucked away in downtown San Diego. I always saw it referenced on maps of the area, but never really thought much about where it was located, or what it even looked like. We've taken to coming here at least once a week, with the mongrels in tow, to hang out on a bench, under one of the huge trees, while soaking up the heat and people watching (typically with a light breakfast and a latte from Elixir in hand). The park itself is clean, with a lot of green space that dogs love, and some impressive trees that drop...things...on the ground. There have been many a discussion as to they types of trees in the area, but neither of us know much about trees (it's not a palm, it's not a jacaranda, it's not a pine...) The nice thing about this little park is that it's close to the trolley and a few different cafes, shops and just a short walk from Seaport Village. Plus, there's a lot of street parking all around the place, so if you have to drive, you have a good chance of finding a parking space. All in all, not a bad place to while away a beautiful, sunny morning. read more

Pantoja Park - Parkery - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

A nice open space near the convention center and seaport village. Place is dog friendly. It is quiet and usually not very busy every time I have walked by. There is plenty of street parking nearby. Downside is there no public restroom. There is coffee shop across the street and is only a block over from the Seaport Village. A nice place to sit outside, catch some sun, and have an outdoor lunch. read more

See all

Pantoja Park is one of the few parks in downtown San Diego. As the building boom continues, that there is a park in downtown San Diego at all is exciting in and of itself. But this park is special. Pantoja Park is the city's oldest park. Created in 1850 and named after the Spanish explorer, Don Juan Pantoja y Arriaga, who first surveyed and charted San Diego Bay in 1782, it is a rare pocket of quiet greenery amid all the bustle of downtown redevelopment. Then there is the statue in the park. Like much of San Diego it is not what is expected. Your first glance of San Diego decieves you; you have to take a closer look to figure out what's really going on. The statue must be Don Juan Pantoja, right? No, the tall figure standing on the pedestal in the park is Benito Juarez, Mexico's first president of native descent. The statue was given by the Mexican government to the city of San Diego in 1981 as a gesture of friendship. We have to preserve what little green space we have in downtown. If ever enough people agree that Pantoja Park is nothing more than a rectangle of open space, Pantoja Park is dead, and another condo site is born. read more

Pantoja Park - Pantoja Park, San Diego - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

Downtown San Diego has quite a few parks which is one of the reasons I chose to move to the area. I have a dog and he loves running around and rolling in the grass. Most of downtown is concrete so I like that I have options to choose from. I lived down the street from Pantoja Park for a year so we would come here at least 3-4 times a week. The park is located in a quiet park of downtown (Seaport Village area) right off of G street and not too far from the Midway museum. It usually isn't too busy. I don't think I have ever seen more than 15-20 people here. There are some benches if you want to sit and soak up the sun or you can bring a blanket and take in the fresh ocean (bay) air. It is technically not a dog park but I will often see people with their pups and they do have signs posted that all pets must be leashed. This park isn't a must do if you are visiting San Diego but I highly suggest at least walking by and taking a picture of the gorgeous San Diego skyline if you are in the area. read more

Driving through downtown and stumbled across this cute little park in the middle of the city! Great for dogs, picnics, and for naps :) This park is quite, perfect for relaxing! You would have never thought you're in the middle of the city! read more

See all

Cute little park to hang out in! I've been here during lunch and it's been great! No one bugged me or creeped me out. Just folks enjoying the grass, sunshine and the park. The way it should be really. It's near the Seaport Village trolley station. So it is a good option as a meet up spot that's more pleasant than the trolley stop. It could use more trees, benches and interesting features but I like it! read more

Cool, small, dog park. I would say that the circumfrence is no bigger than a quarter mile in length. There are a few benches here and there. A statue and the rest is grass. Smells like dog pooh though, and the homeless congregate here during the day. At night, it seems more quiet since there is no one here, as one of the rules for the park is no sleeping overnight. Other rules include no smoking, no alcohol, no glass containers, and dogs must be leashed and to clean up after your pet. I like this park too because I can actually sober up and just hang out here for a bit. Since I usually park my car at the Navy base on PCH, this place is good spot to just chill for a bit after a night of debauchery and shenanigans. There is no closing time here, but you can't sleep overnight. And it's not scary at night, don't worry, you're good. You may have seen this once or twice as you drove by but it's a tiny park, so if you have the time, stop by here on G st. between Columbia and India, and take a 5 minute walk through the park. It's cool. read more

See all

A small park in the Marina District that is dog...no, pet friendly! I've seen cats walking with leashes and a homeless man walking with his pigeons!!! I would give it a 5 star if it weren't for the irresponsible dog owners that do not clean up after their dogs...bags are provided! So no excuses for not picking up the poop! There are signs saying dogs must always be leashed, but a number of people let their dogs run around and I'm fine with it as long as the dog is well behaved. I always see many business people come to take a break here or even take their lunch to enjoy the nice day. If I worked close to the park, I would definitely take advantage of it for a nice, peaceful break. read more

Pantoja Park - Monday afternoon in Pantoja with the pooches. - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

What a breath of fresh air, in a concrete jungle. :) If you have a dog, and live downtown - which seems to be a very popular combination - then you will become very familiar with this park. This is also why everyone needs to wear shoes and watch where they walk in the grass; there are bags for the dog poop posted around, and most pet owners are responsible. Make sure to keep your dog on-leash here, because cops will ticket. I think a neighbor of mine got one to the tune of $200 or so. There is a beautiful tree in the middle of this park, fenced off for protection. This also prevents the park from having a large, flat grassy area for games. People still try to play narrow games of mini-soccer, and have small yoga or boot camp classes, but if you were try throwing a frisbee around, for example, you would likely run into a tree with your head turned. There are some homeless people around the park from time to time, but they don't sleep there overnight - they're typically just napping in the afternoon sun, like everyone else. Doug K.'s review is spot-on, this is a park that should be enjoyed and protected. Let's celebrate the green spaces in our community! read more

Pantoja is a cool, decently sized square of greenery in the middle of the city. On any afternoon, you can find people doing yoga, step aerobics, dogs playing, people picnicking, or people napping. Sure there are some bums during the day, but I mean it's downtown San Diego - where AREN'T there bums?! Luckily, at night, SDPD does a good job ensuring there is no sleeping in the park, and the Marina District is pretty devoid of transient living in general. The park has a lot of mature trees and plenty of room for dogs to run around. It seems to become a defacto dog park during the evening hours, which is awesome for our dog. Most people seem to pick up after their pets as I've yet to step on a land mine. read more

This park seems to pop out of nowhere. There are a bunch of random trees (that sadly are no good for climbing) and people sleeping in the grass. There are also a ton of dogs, which is kind of cute. I wouldn't come out of my way to come here, but it was nice to stop by this little park for a little bit on a warm Friday afternoon. Maybe if I had a dog and lived close I would come here more often. read more

Small, pretty park in the Marina District. Occasionally, I eat lunch here during lunch and there's always an assortment of people working out, playing soccer (or a similar sport), walking their pet, or also hanging out on their lunch hour. There's a few benches but lot's of grass, so a blanket is a good idea in case the benches are taken. read more

A perfect lil oasis in the middle of the city.. The grass is super healthy and green and the groundskeepers keep everything in tip top shape. There are doggie bags stationed in 3 spots and a few benches to chill and watch the soccer players.. Or frisbee players.. Or peeps playing w their kids...very nice atmosphere to take your doggie for a quick loop. read more

Pantoja Park - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

Doggie poo situation has gotten better. Yay. Sans doggie poo - what a beautiful park..and soo many birds!

Close to the San Diego Westin, Gas Lamp and Little Italy. Good park, close to the Westin, that is great for Dog Walking, the place is full of people walking their dogs and walking in the morning. (There were a few homeless people sleeping over but they cleared out as the dog walkers came around). The place has benches for sitting and looks like a nice place to play on the grass. read more

Where to begin on this review. The only reason I gave this park 2 stars versus 1 is because it is equipped to be a great park to enjoy with or without dogs. I love how there are numerous trashcans available and poo-bag stations. This is great and promotes responsible pet ownership and cleanup. However, I have noticed that may not always be the case. Here is the biggest problem I have with this park and I hope all "Responsible" dog parents and "law abiding" dog parents will read my review and take warning. There is a BIG off leash problems with this park. A problem so big in 2 weeks of pet sitting I have witnessed 6 altercations with 2 being very concerning. I take my client's dogs out 3 times a day and on every occasion have to dodge multiple dogs off leash. This is not a "Dog Park", it is a public park for all to enjoy, including dogs "on-leash". Again this is not an "Off-leash dog park". I write this not only as a pet sitter/walker, but also as a concern pet parent and veterinary professional (RVT). Dog behavior and dynamics are very similar to humans in that most humans do not want to be bound or kept in place with other humans invading their space. This is also true for dogs and dogs parents that follow the laws and keep their dogs on leash...and not 6ft plus leashes...I need to add. Not all dogs want to be your dog's best friend or go nose to nose. This doesn't mean they are bad, it just means they enjoy their own space. Plus, nose to nose greetings for dogs and 1 dog on leash another off is a big No No. Please don't take this review as a negative but as something better a warning. My client's trust me to care and keep their pets safe while they are away and places like this park serve as a backyard for them and their residence. I respect the park by cleaning up and keeping my dogs on leash, don't my client's, their dogs and me deserve to enjoy it safely and without risk? read more

You can't go wrong with bringing your dog here!! Most of the dogs and dog owners are extremely friendly. It's a place for regulars as you will always see the same people and dogs. It's a great place to let your dog off the leash to run free! It's well kept and nice just to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather!! If you live in the Marina District this place is a must to have your dogs enjoy their free time!! read more

It's a very quiet nice end of town, I think quaint best describes it. It's friendly and safe, lots of dogs running around, also lots of homeless people setting up shop. It is a breath of fresh air though, a great place for a jog, take the kids, or walk the dog! read more

Nice dog park has a few benches mostly in the sun. I havent seen a restroom. But I think its nice for a lunch outside

Such a nice park, but what a shame this is where the homeless hang out. I work in the area and walk around this park all day, every day. It says no overnight stay, but when I go for my early morning walk, there they are, sleeping. I can handle a few homeless, that's not the issue. The issue is they tote their shopping carts with them making the park look very dumpy, lounge all over the benches and string out their stuff on the lawn. Because sometimes I feel unsafe making loops around the park because of some crazed outspoken individual, I often times have to walk a different route. Yes it smells, but there a lot of apartments in the area with people who have dogs and its nice for them to be able to give their dog some grass to play and poop on. I actually smell more of the homeless than I do pet urine, it's really gross. I walk around the park, but you will never catch me sitting in it or around it on the benches after seeing what I see on a daily basis. read more